ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute's (ARI's) Executive Committee, with the recommendation of the Certification Programs and Policy Committee, has approved the restructuring of ARI's certification programs. Over the next 15 months ARI will be implementing this new certification program structure with full implementation by Jan. 1, 2006.

The most significant change is a new fee structure applicable to all programs that consists of two components: a participation fee and a license fee. The participation fee ensures that manufacturers pay the fair cost of testing their products, says the association. The license fee applies to all participants (manufacturers, private brand manufacturers, and international manufacturers) who will pay for the use of ARI's certification mark and the listing of their products in ARI's certification directories.

ARI's cost savings under the new structure will be used to actively promote its certification programs and to actively enforce the proper use of its certification mark, resulting in greater value in ARI certification, greater participation in the certification programs, and ultimately reducing costs for all participants, the association says.

For more information about ARI's certification programs, visit www.ari.org.

Publication date: 09/27/2004